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In 2016 I began work on MECControl, a system that allows those new to computer control and programming to easily control devices such as motors, LEDs and buttons from their Windows PC.

There were many aspects to the MECControl project:

Developing Arduino/Genuino firmware in C++.

Developing Windows software in VB.Net.

Developing a range of ‘no soldering required’ electronic components.

Creating a website and online shop.

Creating help documentation and video tutorials.

The MECControl system

What follows is a brief introduction to MECControl — you can find out more on the MECControl website in the Help section or by watching the tutorials and Project Spotlights in the Videos section.

Hardware

MECControl works with the easy-to-use Arduino/Genuino Uno and Mega microcontroller boards which connect to a computer via a USB port and allow you to control all manner of devices.

The Arduino/Genuino Uno

For example, the Arduino/Genuino Uno has fourteen connectors which can be used as either digital inputs or digital outputs.

As outputs, they can be connected to devices such as LEDs, motors and Meccanoid servo motors.

As inputs, they can be connected to devices such as buttons and switches.

The Arduino/Genuino Uno also has six analogue inputs which can be connected to devices such as potentiometers.

Firmware

To use MECControl you will need to download the free open-source MECControl firmware and install it onto your Arduino/Genuino Uno or Mega.

The MECControl firmware gives you the ability to control devices connected to your Arduino/Genuino Uno or Mega, either by sending commands to it directly via the USB port, or by using the MECControl software.

In additon to LEDs, you can also control devices such as motors, Meccanoid servos, stepper motors, relays and solenoids using MECControl — find out more about these on the MECControl website in the Help section.

Electronic components

In order to help those new to electronics I decided to create a range electronic components for use with MECControl.

Each one comes pre-wired with leads so that it can be used right away by plugging it into an Arduino/Genuino Uno or Mega — with no soldering required!

One of the MECControl components — a lead with built-in resistors for connecting Meccanoid devices to the
Arduino/Genuino Uno or Mega

To help those who are starting from nothing I created the MECControl Starter Pack which contains a selection of these components and a copy of the MECControl software.

Website

The MECControl website is partly built upon my own Content Management System (CMS), and utilises several of its features to provide an online shop and news feed:

Online editing of static pages and news items.

A hierarchical, searchable, product catalogue with stock control.

Customisable rules to allow for a variety of discounts and special offers.